Knowing Your Identity in Christ: I am Part of God's Plan (Ephesians 1:9-10)

What if embracing your unique role in God’s plan could transform your daily family life and ignite purpose in your parenting?

In this episode of 7 Minute Devotions for Busy Parents, host Christen Clark dives into Ephesians 1 to uncover the truth that every busy parent is intentionally chosen to parent their specific kids and included in God’s plan. Christen encourages listeners to find inspiration and confidence in their faith at home, even amidst chaos; and explores how discipleship and small acts of kindness can have eternal significance as we raise Christian kids.

• [00:01:40] Embracing your identity as part of God’s purpose and plan
• [00:04:08] Practical encouragement for raising Christian kids and finding confidence in your unique family role

Resources:

• Instagram: @7minutedevotions, @christenclark
• Family Podcast: @collidekidspodcast

Transcript

Christen Clark [00:00:02]:

Hello and welcome to 7 Minute Devotions for Busy Parents. My name is Christen Clark, and I am so glad that you are here. I started this show because I am a busy parent, as I assume you are, and that's why you're listening to this show. I also have another podcast called the Collide Kids Podcast. It's a show for families to listen to together. So I encourage you to go check that show out, listen with your kids. I think you'll really enjoy it. But for this show, this is just for parents.

Christen Clark [00:00:28]:

So thank you for being here today. We're continuing our journey through Ephesians 1, discovering who we are in Christ. And this week's identity marker is: I am part of God's plan. You know what? I like to have a plan. Like, I'm a firstborn and I'm also a woman, and so I like to know there's a plan. I like to have a plan. I like to put plans together. Now, I don't always follow it perfectly.

Christen Clark [00:01:02]:

I'm not that personality type that has to follow the plan perfectly. There's lots of room for spontaneity in my life, but I like knowing that a plan is in place. So if I can't see it, I tend to take charge and suddenly everyone is following my ideas for what the plan should be. The funny part is I usually have so many ideas and all my creative ideas, it becomes a little more distracting than actually productive. But isn't it fun when you find out that you're part of a plan? Like when you're included in a vacation or an event or some type of adventure, and you realize your part makes the whole thing come together? That's exactly what God is reminding us in Ephesians. We are included. We are chosen. We are part of his plan, not by accident, but on purpose.

Christen Clark [00:01:47]:

Ephesians 1:9-10 says, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment, to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. I love that it says here that God made known to us the mystery of his will to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. That mystery isn't something hidden forever. It's a truth that's revealed through Jesus Christ. God has a plan to bring everything together under Him, and we are included in that plan. Many of us spend so much of our lives asking, "What is God's will for my life? How do I fit into God's plan? What career should I choose? Who should I marry? Am I doing this life thing correctly?" It's easy to get caught up in our own anxiety, our own plans, or even the pressure we feel to perform for God or for others. But this verse reminds us God has a bigger perspective. His plan is to bring unity to all things, and we are part of it.

Christen Clark [00:02:56]:

That includes your everyday life, your family, your relationships, your work, and even your small acts of kindness. All of it matters to God's kingdom. Our purpose is not just for today or for personal gain. It's for the fulfillment of God's kingdom, both now and in the future. Everything we do as believers contributes to bringing heaven and earth into alignment under Christ. That is eternal significance. Isn't it freeing to know that you don't have to orchestrate every detail of your life? You really can't. You're not sovereign.

Christen Clark [00:03:28]:

God is. But you are included in something bigger. God chose you. He made a space for you in his plan from the beginning, and that includes your personality, your strengths, your gifts, your quirks, and yes, even your mistakes—all of it fits into His purpose. And here's something fun to think about: being part of God's plan isn't just about responsibility; it's also about joy. That's what God is doing with us. He's not only including us; He's delighting in us. He designed a purpose for us to make a difference in His plan, to help fulfill His kingdom now and point others to eternity., and that includes our families.

Christen Clark [00:04:08]:

God chose you to be the parent of the children he gave you. I want you to hear me say that. God chose you to be the parent of your children. That wasn't an accident. He has a plan for your family. He wants you to minister to your children, to share the gospel with them, to raise them in faith so that they can grow into adults who show kindness and mercy and love and carry God's kingdom forward in their own lives. When we remember that we are part of God's plan, parenting becomes less about perfection and more about intentionality. We can parent with purpose and confidence, knowing that we are exactly where God wants us to be.

Christen Clark [00:04:46]:

Our daily actions of guiding and teaching and loving and encouraging our children all contribute to God's greater plan and the unfolding of his kingdom. Isn't that incredible? Well, before we pray, let's practice our identity rhythm. This is something we're going to do each episode in this season, and, you know, repetition shapes what we believe. So as we repeat these things, I hope it's something that will stick with you. So I'm going to read these 3 short statements, who we are in Christ, why it's true, and how we live from it. And I'll say them once through and then repeat the identity statement at the end, and you can carry that with you this week. So here's the identity statement for today: I am part of God's plan. I am part of God's plan because God chose me and included me in his will to bring unity to all things in Christ.

Christen Clark [00:05:45]:

Because I am part of God's plan, I choose to live with intention, trusting in his timing and his purpose. So let's say this identity statement one more time. Ready? I am part of God's plan. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, I thank you so much that we are included in your plans. Thank you that you have brought us in and done all of these things through Jesus Christ. God, I pray for someone that's listening today that maybe they don't feel like they have a purpose, or they don't feel like they're equipped to be the parents that they need to be. Lord, I pray that you would Just encourage them and let this truth settle in their hearts that they are a part of your plan.

Christen Clark [00:06:25]:

Help this to be a motivation and encouragement to them to continue going to church and continue discipling their kids in faith, and help them to know that you are with them every step of the way. In Jesus' name, amen. Well, I hope that you remember that you are part of God's plan, and if this episode encouraged you today, I would just love for you to share it with someone, maybe a friend or a neighbor or family member. Maybe you can even make a plan to grab coffee or lunch with someone, get together with them, and show them love and encouragement and kindness. Well, thank you guys so much for listening today, and until next time, remember who you are and who you belong to.